The Man Utd legend who could one day be an ideal Erik ten Hag successor

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The Red Devils are in talks with a former Old Trafford hero

If in doubt, go and get the club legend. Manchester United face an intriguing summer - one that is likely to include plenty of transfer activity, and that many expected would herald the ousting of a certain Erik ten Hag. Instead, the Dutchman is set to stay put at Old Trafford, and could be joined by a very auspicious compatriot.

According to talkSPORT, the Red Devils have held positive talks with Ruud van Nistelrooy over a coaching role in Ten Hag’s backroom staff. The 47-year-old is understood to be a leading candidate for Burnley’s managerial vacancy following Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich, but has reportedly been tempted by the prospect of returning to a club where he scored 150 goals across 219 appearances between 2001 and 2006.

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From United’s perspective, his homecoming would represent something of a significant coup. Van Nistelrooy has been absent from the dugout since leaving PSV Eindhoven last May, but his record in the Netherlands hints towards a bright future as a head coach. In a half century of matches, the former striker averaged 2.2 points per game, and lifted both a Dutch cup and super cup.

Indeed, it was for these reasons that most assumed his next role would be as the main man somewhere. Burnley, for their part, are still trying to convince him that this would be his best course of action. But with United’s bid for his affections, there is a strong possibility that Van Nistelrooy could instead opt for a less prominent position. And if that is the path that he chooses, it could be a move that pays off massively for both him and United in the long run.

You see, not only would the Red Devils be securing for themselves one of the finest centre forwards of his generation in an influential capacity, but they could also be bringing in a natural successor to Ten Hag.

Even with his future assured for now, and with rumblings of a contract extension in the offing, it is fair to assume that the Dutchman will not be at Old Trafford forever. Whether the precariousness of last season continues, or whether the nature of modern football management just catches up with him eventually, at an unspecified point further down the line United will be looking for a new figurehead.

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And when that time comes, Van Nistelrooy could be a realistic option. The early stages of his career in the dugout were certainly promising enough to suggest so, and that, combined with the lived experience of working behind the scenes at Carrington on a daily basis, could be enough to convince the board that he is worth taking a punt on.

Of course, there are a lot of moving parts to navigate before then, and everybody involved will be hoping that the circumstances that would necessitate Van Nistelrooy’s prospective promotion don’t come to fruition for a long, long while yet.

But if this talk of an emotional reunion is to be believed, then it could certainly be another good reason for the Red Devils to ensure that they get this deal over the line.

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